World of Goo

{{Short description|2008 puzzle video game}} {{Use American English|date=January 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}} {{Infobox video game | title = World of Goo | image = World of Goo Logo.png{{!}}class=skin-invert | developer = 2D Boy | publisher = {{Unbulleted list|2D Boy|{{vgrelease|JP|Nintendo (Wii)}}|Brighter Minds Media<ref>{{cite web |last1=Remo |first1=Chris |title=Publisher Brighter Minds Files For Chapter 11 |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/publisher-brighter-minds-files-for-chapter-11 |website=Gamasutra |date=February 2, 2009 |access-date=April 10, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410174833/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/113064/Publisher_Brighter_Minds_Files_For_Chapter_11.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Cavalli |first1=Earnest |title=World of Goo Publisher Files for Bankruptcy |url=https://www.wired.com/2009/02/world-of-goo-pu/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=April 10, 2019 |date=February 2, 2009 |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625094535/https://www.wired.com/2009/02/world-of-goo-pu/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{small|(retail, USA)}}|Tomorrow Corporation {{small|(NS)}}|Microsoft Game Studios<ref>{{cite web|title=Games on Demand coming soon to Games for Windows — LIVE!|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/community/newsarticles/pages/gamesondemandcomingsoon.aspx|website=Games for Windows|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=February 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206110819/http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/community/newsarticles/pages/gamesondemandcomingsoon.aspx|archive-date=December 6, 2009|quote=The launch lineup will include [...] new exclusive LIVE-enabled versions of popular digital games like ''World of Goo'' and ''Osmos'', distributed by Microsoft Game Studios.}}</ref> {{Small|(GFWL)}}}} | platforms = {{Unbulleted list | Wii | Windows | OS X | Linux | iOS | Android | BlackBerry OS | Nintendo Switch }} | released = {{Collapsible list | title = {{nobold|October 13, 2008}} | '''Wii'''{{Video game release|NA|October 13, 2008|EU|December 19, 2008|JP|April 21, 2009}} | '''Microsoft Windows'''{{Video game release|NA|October 13, 2008|PAL|December 12, 2008}} | '''OS X'''{{Video game release|WW|November 2, 2008}} | '''Linux'''{{Video game release|WW|February 12, 2009}} | '''iOS'''{{Video game release|WW|December 16, 2010}} | '''Android'''{{Video game release|WW|November 28, 2011}} | '''BlackBerry OS'''{{Video game release|WW|January 21, 2013}} | '''Nintendo Switch'''{{Video game release|NA|March 16, 2017|PAL|March 23, 2017|JP|May 25, 2017}}}} | genre = Puzzle | modes = Single-player, multiplayer | producer = Ron Carmel | designer = Kyle Gabler | programmer = {{Unbulleted list|Ron Carmel|Allan Blomquist}} | artist = Kyle Gabler | writer = Kyle Gabler | composer = Kyle Gabler }}

'''''World of Goo''''' is a physics-based puzzle video game developed and published by independent game developer 2D Boy. The game was released on Microsoft Windows and Wii on October 13, 2008, with releases on Nintendo Switch, Mac OS X, Linux, and various mobile devices in subsequent years. ''World of Goo'' has the player use small balls of goo to create bridges and similar structures over chasms and obstacles to help other goo balls reach a goal point, with the challenge to use as few goo balls as possible to build this structure.

The game was nominated for numerous awards—the Seumas McNally Grand Prize, Design Innovation Award, and Technical Excellence—at the Independent Games Festival, and has gone on to win several other gaming awards, such as Outstanding Achievement in Game Design at the 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards. The game was critically acclaimed and became one of the earliest examples of a commercially successful indie game.

A sequel, ''World of Goo 2'', was released on August 2, 2024, in collaboration with Tomorrow Corporation.

== Gameplay ==

=== Overview === thumb|left|Placing a goo ball to construct a bridge The game is built around the idea of creating large structures using balls of goo.<ref name="EGP">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/tower-of-goo-evolves-into-world-of-goo-2d-boy-is-born/|title=Tower of Goo evolves into World of Goo, 2D Boy is born|author=Bardinelli, John|date=March 5, 2007|work=Joystiq|publisher=Weblogs, Inc|access-date=January 27, 2008|archive-date=August 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826152504/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/tower-of-goo-evolves-into-world-of-goo-2d-boy-is-born|url-status=live}}</ref> The game is divided into five chapters, each containing several levels. Each level has its own graphic and musical theme, giving a unique atmosphere. There is also a bonus meta-game called ''World of Goo Corporation'', where the objective is to build the highest tower using goo balls which the player collected through the course of the game. Players from all over the world can compete, as the height of the tower and number of goo balls used are being constantly uploaded to the 2D Boy server.

=== Objective === The main objective of the game is to get a requisite number of goo balls to a pipe designed to represent the exit. In order to do so, the player must use the goo balls to construct bridges, towers, and other structures to overcome gravity and various terrain difficulties such as chasms, hills, spikes, windmills, or cliffs. There are several types of goo balls in the game, each of which has unique properties. The player must exploit combinations of these goo balls in order to complete each level. Extra goos recovered in the pipe are pumped through to World of Goo Corporation, a sandbox area where the objective is to compete with other players worldwide by building the tallest tower possible.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/846/846912p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124150102/http://pc.ign.com/articles/846/846912p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 24, 2008 |title=World of Goo Preview |website=IGN |date=January 22, 2008 |last= Shea |first= Cam}}</ref> Players can also try to achieve the "Obsessive Completion Distinction Flag" for each level by completing the level under more stringent criteria, such as collecting a larger number of Goo balls, finishing under a set amount of time or using as few moves as possible.

The WiiWare version includes multiplayer with up to four people on the same Wii. This facility is also available, albeit unsupported, in the Linux port.<ref name="multimouse">{{cite web|url=http://goofans.com/faq/world-goo/technical-questions/how-do-i-use-more-one-mouse|title=How do I use more than one mouse?|access-date=May 2, 2009|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701152215/http://goofans.com/faq/world-goo/technical-questions/how-do-i-use-more-one-mouse|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Levels === ''World of Goo'' is split up into four chapters and an epilogue, each containing a number of levels. The chapters are set over the course of a year in the ''World of Goo''. Each chapter takes place over one season, beginning in the start of summer, and ending during the spring of next year.<ref group="note">The last winter level, Product Launcher, has "happy new year" as its tagline. This is similar to Northern Hemisphere seasons.</ref> The 4th chapter is seasonless, and is set in a virtual world. Levels and chapters in the game are interspersed with cut scenes.

An additional location reached from the main menu is the World Of Goo Corporation. Goo Balls collected above and beyond the required amount to pass a level are piped out of each of the played levels to here. The aim is to build the highest possible tower with only the accumulated extra Goo Balls. Towers built by other players are represented by clouds bearing the player's name, nationality, and height of the tower, including details on the total number of balls collected by the player and how many were used in constructing their tower. The altitude of each cloud represents the height of that player's tower. An online leaderboard charts the heights of the top 50 towers, as well as the top 10 players for each level of the game.

There are a total of 48 levels in the game, including World of Goo Corporation.

In an interview, the developers stated that the retail version released in Europe would receive an additional sixth chapter, set on the Moon.<ref name="WiiWare World">{{cite web |url=http://www.wiiware-world.com/news/2008/08/2d_boy_interview_world_of_goo |title=2D Boy Interview – World Of Goo |work=WiiWare World |first=Darrent |last=Calvert |date=August 26, 2008 |access-date=September 14, 2008 |archive-date=March 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329075918/http://www.wiiware-world.com/news/2008/08/2d_boy_interview_world_of_goo |url-status=live }}</ref> Few details were disclosed, but reportedly this chapter would have featured a freeform sandbox mode, similar to that of the World of Goo Corporation. This addition was canceled for Wii when 2D Boy announced they were releasing the game on WiiWare in Europe. Eventually, the idea was put on hold for all platforms, as 2D Boy felt they were rushing to finish extra content to justify the price, stating that "if we release any additional content, we will make it available on all platforms, to all people, at the same time. No more of this 'region' nonsense".<ref>{{cite web |date=November 12, 2008 |title=World Of Goo(d News): Euro Release Imminent |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2008/11/12/world-of-good-news-euro-release-imminent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713155749/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2008/11/12/world-of-good-news-euro-release-imminent/ |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |access-date=July 10, 2011 |website=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref>

== Plot == The story of the game is primarily told through cutscenes and signs scattered throughout various levels, which are attributed to an unseen character known as the Sign Painter.

In the beginning of the game, it is revealed that pipes have been appearing throughout the world, disturbing many Goo Balls in their natural habitats. Filled with a childlike sense of curiosity and naivety, they build themselves towards the pipes. Upon reaching the pipe entrance, the Goo Balls are sucked by the pipe system into the "World of Goo Corporation" main building where they are processed into many products. The excess Goo Balls are left outside the Corporation headquarters where they together begin to build a giant tower. At the end of the first chapter, some Goo Balls escape from a Corporation building by attaching themselves to eyeballs which have the ability to fly. The chapter ends with the Goo Balls "seeing far away new lands".

The second chapter takes place on an island where World of Goo Corporation is searching for a new power source, due to wind power not being sufficient anymore. However, the location and appearance of the power source was forgotten, because in the past, it stopped producing electricity.<ref group="note">"Lately, its output has been less than satisfactory." – Fly Away Little Ones, Little Miss World of Goo, World of Goo</ref> A new Goo Ball is introduced, which is ground up by the Corporation into a facial cream. Near the end of the chapter, the power plant, which looks like a giant woman, is discovered. It is revealed that for many years, its remarkably powerful "beauty juice" powered the world. Yet with age, her beauty and consequently her electric output began to die. However, once unrefined beauty goo is injected directly into her forehead by the player, her youthful beauty is restored. At the expense of her ability to move her face, the world is supplied with large amounts of power. With this newfound energy, a factory doing outsourced work for World of Goo Corporation opens in the south.

During the third chapter it is said that the factory is developing a mysterious "Product Z." It eventually turns out that the mysterious Product Z is actually the third dimension (Product Z is the Z axis in mathematics). After the launch of Product Z, the player is informed that they are "incompatible with the world" due to the game being made up of only two-dimensional graphics, and is instructed to contact tech support in the information superhighway.

In the fourth chapter the player sets out to find the mysterious "MOM" program in the information superhighway. Shortly after the beginning the Goo Balls find the object responsible for rendering all the graphics. After pumping many of their own kind into the object, the graphics rendering improves, creating a more realistic environment (and the Pixel Goo Balls). Near the end they encounter MOM, who turns out to be a spam bot. Hoping to convert the world back to 2D, the player tries to overload World of Goo Corporation by having MOM send every spam email ever sent to everyone at World of Goo Corporation. After the player ventures to the Recycle Bin and un-deletes all the spam email, World of Goo Corporation receives the mail and, unable to deal with so much spam, explodes, shutting down Product Z while creating a massive layer of smog, dust, smoke and debris that envelops the entire world.

In the final chapter, it is revealed that all Goo Balls, except "scientifically pure" ones, have been sucked away to the former site of World of Goo Corporation. The remaining Goo Balls decide to work their way up the world's tallest island to reach a site where the telescope is located. The final level of the game reveals that the Goo Balls are now completely extinct, all the remaining having been sucked away to the shattered remains of World of Goo Corporation and added to the tower, and the gigantic telescope at the site has been rendered useless as it cannot see past the layer of smog. The Sign Painter reveals in his final sign that he has now become the Telescope Operator. Some balloon-like fish in the sea connect to the telescope and lift it out of the ground, where it breaks through the layer of smog and sees the tower of goo that has been built at the former World of Goo Corporation Headquarters, which can also see past the smog. The telescope falls back to the ground before it could see what the Goo Balls were building towards. A final and last cutscene reveals their goal; the camera pans up into space to reveal that the Goo Balls that escaped at the end of Chapter 1 have managed to reach a far-off planet populated by Goo Balls.

== Development == thumb|Ron Carmel and Kyle Gabler, founders of 2D Boy and creators of ''World of Goo'' ''World of Goo'' was developed by 2D Boy, a team based in San Francisco consisting only of former Electronic Arts employees Kyle Gabler and Ron Carmel. The game's development was started in January 2005<ref>{{cite web| url=https://kylegabler.com/assets/EgpPrototypes/egp_bin_kgabler.zip |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227223254/https://kylegabler.com/assets/EgpPrototypes/egp_bin_kgabler.zip |archive-date=February 27, 2023| title=Old Prototypes (zip), Tower of Goo metadata |publisher=Kyle Gabler}}</ref> as a graduate student project at the Entertainment Technology Center of Carnegie Mellon University.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.cmu.edu/homepage/creativity/2010/summer/world-of-goo.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613021619/https://www.cmu.edu/homepage/creativity/2010/summer/world-of-goo.shtml |archive-date=June 13, 2021| title=World of Goo |publisher=Carnegie Mellon University}}</ref> Gabler created this initial prototype in four days and submitted it under the title ''Tower of Goo'' for the Experimental Gameplay Project at the university<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.etc.cmu.edu/projects/experimentalgameplay/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050827035545/http://www.etc.cmu.edu/projects/experimentalgameplay/ |archive-date=August 27, 2005| title=Experimental Gameplay Project |publisher=Carnegie Mellon University}}</ref> as a response to the prompt "make something with springs".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://kylegabler.com/assets/EgpPrototypes/egp_bin_kgabler.zip |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227223254/https://kylegabler.com/assets/EgpPrototypes/egp_bin_kgabler.zip |archive-date=February 27, 2023| title=Old Prototypes (zip), Tower of Goo, about.txt |publisher=Kyle Gabler}}</ref>

Carmel and Gabler estimated that development on ''World of Goo'' lasted two years and cost US$10,000 of their personal savings, which included equipment, food, and rent.<ref name="venturebeat">{{cite web |title=How the World of Goo became one of the indie video game hits of 2008 |url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/01/02/the-world-of-goo-became-one-of-the-indie-hits-of-2008/ |publisher=Venture Beat |access-date=January 10, 2009 |date=January 2, 2009 |archive-date=September 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912091610/https://venturebeat.com/2009/01/02/the-world-of-goo-became-one-of-the-indie-hits-of-2008/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Actual development was usually carried out in coffeehouses equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots.

''World of Goo'' was programmed using available open-source technologies, including Simple DirectMedia Layer, Open Dynamics Engine for physics simulation, TinyXML for configuration files, Subversion, Mantis Bug Tracker, and PopCap Games Framework.<ref name="gamasutra">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16749 |title=Road To The IGF: World Of Goo's 'Suggested Emotional Journey' To Wii |date=December 31, 2007 |first=Patrick |last=Murphy |access-date=October 13, 2008 |archive-date=July 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703013635/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16749 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendic.com/news/2113 |title=World of Goo switches from Wii to WiiWare |date=April 1, 2008 |first=Andrew |last=Macarthy |work=Nintendic |access-date=April 4, 2008 |archive-date=April 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405194544/http://www.nintendic.com/news/2113 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> Allan Blomquist, a friend of Gabler and Carmel, was responsible for porting and optimizing the game for WiiWare.<ref name="eurogamer interview1">{{cite web |title=2D Boy's Ron Carmel and Kyle Gabler – Interview |date=January 15, 2009 |author=Walker, John |publisher=Eurogamer |access-date=May 7, 2011 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2d-boys-ron-carmel-and-kyle-gabler-interview |archive-date=May 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513050521/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2d-boys-ron-carmel-and-kyle-gabler-interview |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 6, 2010, 2D Boy, Capybara Games, and thatgamecompany started a program called the "Indie Fund", which aims to support game development, by helping independent developers become financially independent.

=== Release === ''World of Goo'' was released both for Windows and WiiWare in North America on October 13, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Two WiiWare Games and Two Virtual Console Games Added to Wii Shop Channel |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/fvAWxg18x4_UYTIcsfyyt8d9vwa6KuSo |publisher=Nintendo |date=October 13, 2008 |access-date=October 16, 2008 |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015032547/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/fvAWxg18x4_UYTIcsfyyt8d9vwa6KuSo |url-status=live }}</ref> The Mac OS X version was released on November 2. The Linux version was released on February 13, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title=World of Goo for Linux Is Here |newspaper=Softpedia |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/World-of-Goo-for-Linux-Is-Here-104513.shtml |last1=Pop-Silaghi |first1=Daniel |access-date=July 25, 2011 |archive-date=February 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216155214/http://news.softpedia.com/news/World-of-Goo-for-Linux-Is-Here-104513.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> After the initial release, 2D Boy announced a bonus patch called "Profanity Pack", which would "[replace] the normal voices in the game with naughty words." The patch would be made available to users who pre-ordered the game.<ref name="arstechnica">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2008/03/world-of-goo-preorders-give-you-taste-of-game-profanity-pack.ars |title=World of Goo preorders give you taste of game, "profanity pack" |publisher=arsTechnica |access-date=August 8, 2010 |date=August 8, 2010 |archive-date=June 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629070418/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2008/03/world-of-goo-preorders-give-you-taste-of-game-profanity-pack.ars |url-status=live }}</ref> The patch was never released.<ref name="goofans faq">{{cite web |url=http://goofans.com/faq/world-goo/getting-world-goo/wherewhat-profanity-pack |title=Frequently Asked Questions – Where/what is the profanity pack? |access-date=January 3, 2013 |work=goofans! |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225082312/http://goofans.com/faq/world-of-goo/getting-world-of-goo/wherewhat-profanity-pack |url-status=live }}</ref>

2D Boy decided against placing digital rights management (DRM) protection on the PC versions, stating that "DRM is a futile attempt to prevent piracy, and it's expensive. Every game for which there is demand will be cracked and find its way onto the scene, so why waste time and money trying to prevent the inevitable?"<ref name="destructoid">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-ron-carmel-and-kyle-gabler-creators-of-world-of-goo-110671.phtml |title=Destructoid interview: Ron Carmel and Kyle Gabler, creators of World of Goo |author=Burch, Anthony |publisher=Destructoid |date=November 7, 2008 |access-date=May 7, 2011 |archive-date=October 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013131354/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-ron-carmel-and-kyle-gabler-creators-of-world-of-goo-110671.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> 2D Boy later reported that the PC versions of ''World of Goo'' were extensively pirated, with a rough estimate that 90% of copies were pirated.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2008 |title=2D Boy » Blog Archive » 90% |url=http://2dboy.com/2008/11/13/90/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205032425/http://2dboy.com/2008/11/13/90/ |archive-date=2008-12-05 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=2dboy.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PC Game Piracy: Why Bother With DRM? |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/pc-game-piracy-why-bother-with-drm- |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117121524/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/pc-game-piracy-why-bother-with-drm- |archive-date=January 17, 2025 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Game Developer |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

For the game's European release in December, 2D Boy depended upon the community to translate and localize ''World of Goo'' into the appropriate languages, including Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish.{{citation needed|date=May 2011}} During the 2009 D.I.C.E. Summit, Nintendo announced that it would publish ''World of Goo'' in Japan during the second quarter of 2009;<ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first= Craig |title=DICE 2009: Nintendo to Publish World of Goo |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/956/956075p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224071438/http://wii.ign.com/articles/956/956075p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 24, 2009 |website=IGN |date=February 20, 2009 |access-date=February 27, 2009}}</ref> the game was released on April 21, 2009, under the title {{nihongo|'''''Planet of Goo'''''|グーの惑星|Gū no Wakusei}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/wiiware/list.html |title=Wiiウェア タイトルリスト |trans-title=WiiWare Title List |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |language=ja |access-date=May 7, 2011 |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527183138/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/wiiware/list.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

''World of Goo'' was made available through Microsoft's Windows Games on Demand marketplace as a Games for Windows – Live title on December 15, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/Games/Pages/worldofgoo.aspx|publisher=Microsoft|title=World of Goo|access-date=February 5, 2011|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103195420/http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-us/Games/Pages/worldofgoo.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/community/newsarticles/pages/gamesondemandcomingsoon.aspx|title=Games on Demand...meet Games for Windows – LIVE!|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=February 5, 2011|archive-date=December 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206110819/http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/community/newsarticles/pages/gamesondemandcomingsoon.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> ''World of Goo'' was also ported to iOS, to iPad in December 2010 and to iPhone in April 2011. On October 3, 2011, 2D Boy announced that they would port ''World of Goo'' to Android, which was released on November 28, 2011. It was available to both Android phones and tablets with demo and full versions available. Tomorrow Corporation, formed by Gabler in 2010 along with his former EA colleagues Allan Blomquist and Kyle Gray, would develop and publish ''World of Goo'' for the Nintendo Switch which was released in March 2017.<ref>{{Cite magazine | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/01/24/world-of-goo-little-inferno-human-resource-machine-heading-to-switch.aspx | title = World Of Goo, Little Inferno, Human Resource Machine Heading To Switch | first = Jeff | last = Cork | date = January 24, 2017 | access-date = January 24, 2017 | magazine = Game Informer | archive-date = February 2, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170202053559/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/01/24/world-of-goo-little-inferno-human-resource-machine-heading-to-switch.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref> The Japanese version was later released in May 2017 by Flyhigh Works.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

According to 2D Boy, Epic Games reached out to them to release ''World of Goo'' as a free promotional title on the Epic Games Store. The developers decided to use this opportunity to create an updated version for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, incorporating changes and improvements made from the console versions. This includes supporting widescreen and higher resolutions that have become the normal since the game's original release, and stripping out the game's digital-rights management to make it amenable to modding. These updates will be offered free to users on other digital storefronts like Steam and GOG.com, with the patches to be released around the same time that the Epic Games Store promotion starts in May 2019.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-goo-is-getting-updated-and-going-free-on-the-epic-game-store/ | title = World of Goo is getting updated and going free on the Epic Store | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = April 18, 2019 | access-date = April 18, 2019 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = April 18, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190418225522/https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-goo-is-getting-updated-and-going-free-on-the-epic-game-store/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/04/world-of-goos-devs-answer-questions-about-hd-update-epic-games-store-launch/ | title = World of Goo is Epic Game Store's next freebie—and all PC owners will get HD update | first = Sam | last = Mackovech | date = April 19, 2019 | access-date = April 19, 2019 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = April 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190419190124/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/04/world-of-goos-devs-answer-questions-about-hd-update-epic-games-store-launch/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Netflix released a remastered version on May 23, 2023, also available on Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. It requires a Netflix subscription to play.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/netflix-is-launching-a-remastered-world-of-goo-on-may-23rd-133027485.html|title=Netflix is launching a remastered 'World of Goo' on May 23rd|last=Moon|first=Mariella|work=Engadget|date=2023-05-06|accessdate=2023-07-24|archive-date=July 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722011136/https://www.engadget.com/netflix-is-launching-a-remastered-world-of-goo-on-may-23rd-133027485.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-31 |title=World of Goo Remastered - Game Support {{!}} Netflix Help Center |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/130181 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301143231/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/130181 |archive-date=2024-03-01 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Netflix}}</ref>

=== Soundtrack === The ''World of Goo'' soundtrack was created by Kyle Gabler, who also designed, wrote and illustrated the game. It was released as a free download on January 20, 2009.<ref name="soundtrack">{{cite web |title=Music from World of Goo |url=http://kylegabler.com/WorldOfGooSoundtrack/ |publisher=Kyle Gabler |access-date=January 20, 2009 |archive-date=July 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707225623/http://kylegabler.com/WorldOfGooSoundtrack/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The song "World of Goo Beginning" was created with the intention of resembling Libertango by Ástor Piazzolla. "Regurgitation Pumping Station" was originally written for a friend's short film about going on a date with the devil. "Threadcutter" was originally written for a game called ''Blow'' which Gabler made available on his site. "Rain Rain Windy Windy" was originally written for the soundtrack for a short children's film, commenting that writing children's music is difficult. "Jelly" was originally written for a virtual reality world. "Burning Man" was written for a friend's drama/mystery series. He made it by recording two friends singing single notes, and then using a keyboard to make it sound like a choir. "Cog in the Machine" was originally written for another game of his called ''Robot and the Cities who Built Him''.<ref name="soundtrack"/>

== Reception == {{Video game reviews | MC = PC: 90/100<ref name="mc pc">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-goo/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=World of Goo for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 2, 2011 |archive-date=February 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223014646/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/worldofgoo |url-status=live }}</ref><br />WII: 94/100<ref name="mc wii">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-goo/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=World of Goo for Wii Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 2, 2011 |archive-date=February 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224084502/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/worldofgoo |url-status=live }}</ref><br />iOS: 96/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-goo/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=World of Goo for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814024433/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/world-of-goo |url-status=live }}</ref><br />NS: 84/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-goo/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=World of Goo for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-date=October 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010125151/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/world-of-goo |url-status=live }}</ref> | OC = 85/100<ref name="OC">{{cite web |title=World of Goo Reviews |url=https://opencritic.com/game/4262/world-of-goo |website=OpenCritic }}</ref><br />88% Critics Recommend | 1UP = A<ref name = "1UP review">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170710&p=44|title=World of Goo Review|last=Hayward|first=Andrew|date=October 16, 2008|publisher=1UP.com|access-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603163843/http://www.1up.com/reviews/world-of-goo |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | EuroG = WII: 10/10<ref name="EuroG Wii">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/world-of-goo-review_4 |title=World of Goo Review |author=Walker, John |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Eurogamer Network Ltd. |date=May 1, 2009 |access-date=May 2, 2011 |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917012744/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/world-of-goo-review_4 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PC: 9/10<ref name="EuroG PC">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=249671&page=1 |title=World of Goo Review |author=Blyth, Jon |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Eurogamer Network Ltd. |date=October 2, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2008 |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205065804/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=249671&page=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | GSpot = 9/10<ref name = "GSpot Wii">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/puzzle/worldofgoo/review.html |title=World of Goo Review |author=Todd, Brett |date=November 3, 2008 |access-date=May 2, 2011 |archive-date=September 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907025701/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/puzzle/worldofgoo/review.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | IGN = 9.5/10<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/918/918954p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014072005/http://wii.ign.com/articles/918/918954p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 14, 2008 |title=World of Goo Review |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |website=IGN |date=October 10, 2008 |access-date=October 13, 2008}}</ref> | NWR = 10/10<ref name = "nwr review">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=17003|title=Wii Review: World of Goo|author=DiMola, Nick|publisher=Nintendo World Report|date=October 17, 2008|access-date=October 17, 2008|archive-date=January 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117075131/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=17003|url-status=live}}</ref> | ONM = 95/100<ref name = "ONM review">Official Nintendo Magazine, Issue 38, p.95</ref> }}

Both Wii and Windows versions of ''World of Goo'' received critical acclaim, holding an aggregate score from Metacritic of 94/100 and 90/100 respectively.<ref name="mc wii" /><ref name="mc pc" /> ''Eurogamer'' called ''World of Goo'' "Physics' latest, purest, and most brilliant gift."<ref name="EuroG PC"/> ''IGN'' said of the Wii version "''World of Goo'' is an amazing WiiWare game that you simply must buy for this is exactly the type of software that needs both recognition and support", finding only minor fault with the camera controls and lack of a level editor.<ref name="IGN review"/> ''1UP.com'' called ''World of Goo'' "one of just a handful of truly excellent original games for the Wii".<ref name = "1UP review"/> ''Nintendo World Report'' criticized the "slow start" of the game, but otherwise praised it as "easily the best WiiWare game to date and, perhaps, one of the best this generation."<ref name = "nwr review"/> Resolution Magazine referred to it as "an instant classic", awarding it 90%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://resolution-magazine.co.uk/issue3/review_worldofgoo.htm |title=WiiWare Review: World of Goo|author=Jones, Graham|publisher=Resolution Magazine |date=February 2, 2009 |access-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006103854/http://resolution-magazine.co.uk/issue3/review_worldofgoo.htm |archive-date=October 6, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Official Nintendo Magazine'' awarded the Wii version a score of 95%, claiming it to be "Virtually flawless".<ref name = "ONM review"/> The magazine also ranked it as the 83rd best game available on Nintendo platforms. The staff called it the best WiiWare game "by a long shot."<ref>{{cite web|title=Nintendo Feature: 100 Best Nintendo Games: Part One |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7188/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-one/ |work=Official Nintendo Magazine |last=East |first=Tom |date=February 17, 2009 |access-date=December 5, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102063247/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7188/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-one/ |archive-date=November 2, 2013 }}</ref>

''World of Goo'' has won many awards. At the 2008 Independent Games Festival, ''World of Goo'' won the Design Innovation Award and the Technical Excellence award, and it was also nominated for the Seumas McNally Grand Prize.<ref name="igf">{{cite web |url=http://www.igf.com/02finalists.html |title=2008 Independent Games Festival Winners |work=Independent Games Festival |publisher=Think Services |access-date=January 27, 2008 |archive-date=March 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320235703/http://www.igf.com/02finalists.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=John |date=February 21, 2008 |title=IGF Winners Announced |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/igf-winners-announced |website=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref> As a result, 2D Boy found publishers that had previously rejected them approaching them to publish the title.<ref name="vg goo">{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2009/01/02/the-world-of-goo-became-one-of-the-indie-hits-of-2008/ | title = How the World of Goo became one of the indie video game hits of 2008 | first = Sahana | last = Mysore | date = January 2, 2009 | access-date = January 29, 2020 | work = Venture Beat | archive-date = September 12, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190912091610/https://venturebeat.com/2009/01/02/the-world-of-goo-became-one-of-the-indie-hits-of-2008/ | url-status = live }}</ref> It won Best Independent Game from the Spike TV Video Game Awards show,<ref name="vgaindependent">{{cite web|title=Best Independent Game Fueled by Dew |url=http://www.chiff.com/recreation/video-game-awards.htm |publisher=SpikeTV.com |access-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724024540/http://www.chiff.com/recreation/video-game-awards.htm |archive-date=July 24, 2011 }}</ref> and won six Wii-specific awards and one for the PC, including Best Puzzle Game, Best Artistic Design, Best WiiWare Game, Best New IP, Most Innovative Design, and Game of the Year from ''IGN''.<ref name="igngoty">{{cite web |title=IGN Wii: Best of 2008 |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220004950/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 20, 2008 |website=IGN |access-date=December 18, 2008 |date=December 18, 2008}}</ref> ''GameSpot'' awarded it as the Best Game No One Played.<ref name="gamespotnooneplayed">{{cite web |title=Best Game No One Played |url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of/dubious-honors/index.html?page=6 |work=Best of 2008 |publisher=GameSpot |date=December 23, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090131205755/http://www.gamespot.com/best-of/dubious-honors/index.html?page=6|access-date=December 28, 2008|archive-date = January 31, 2009}}</ref>{{Failed verification|talk=GameSpot 2008 Ref Outdated – now 2010 Winner|date=January 2011}} The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences awarded ''World of Goo'' with "Outstanding Achievement in Game Design" (along with a nomination for "Casual Game of the Year") at the 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2009&idGame=979 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details World of Goo |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115171928/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2009&idGame=979 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was featured in ''Eurogamer''{{'s}} top 50 games of 2008 in the tenth slot.<ref name="eurogamer">{{cite web |title=Eurogamer's Top 50 Games of 2008: 10–1 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/eurogamers-top-50-games-of-2008-10-1-article |publisher=Eurogamer |access-date=January 7, 2009 |date=December 30, 2008 |archive-date=December 31, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231082443/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/eurogamers-top-50-games-of-2008-10-1-article |url-status=live }}</ref> Peter Moore, the head of EA Sports, in a rant about ''FIFA 09'' being missing from ''Eurogamer''{{'s}} list, commented that he was surprised ''World of Goo'' was included up so high in the list, despite not having played it.<ref name="moorerant">{{cite web |title=WTF? (Where The hell is FIFA 09?) |url=http://itsinthegame.ea.com/archive/2009/01/01/wtf-where-the-hell-is-fifa-09.aspx |first=Peter |last=Moore |author-link=Peter Moore (business) |work=Peter Moore's Official Blog |publisher=Electronic Arts |access-date=January 7, 2009 |date=December 31, 2008 |archive-date=February 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227160208/http://itsinthegame.ea.com/archive/2009/01/01/wtf-where-the-hell-is-fifa-09.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> 2D Boy responded by saying they were honored that ''World of Goo'' had this much mainstream awareness, and that it derives sick pleasure from the "industry big-wig's indignant, self-righteous incredulity". In 2010, the game was included as one of the titles in the book ''1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die''.<ref>{{cite book|title=1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die|last=Mott |first=Tony |year=2010 |publisher=Quintessence Editions Ltd.|location=London |isbn=978-1-74173-076-0 |page=814}}</ref>

== Sequel == {{main article|World of Goo 2}} 2D Boy initially stated that they would not be producing a sequel.<ref name="WiiFanboy">{{cite web |url=http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/wii-fanboy-interviews-2d-boy-world-of-goo/|title=Wii Fanboy interviews 2D Boy (World of Goo)|work=Joystiq |publisher=Weblogs, Inc |date=November 12, 2008 |author=Hinkle, David |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220195150/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/wii-fanboy-interviews-2d-boy-world-of-goo/ |archive-date=February 20, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, in a November 2010 entry on the World of Goo blog, Kyle Gabler stated that "a second ''World of Goo'' is a possibility and something we would enjoy working on."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/wii-fanboy-interviews-2d-boy-world-of-goo/|title=World of Goo on iPad Releasing Soon |work=2D Boy |date=November 21, 2010 |author=Gabler, Kyle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124220858/http://2dboy.com/2010/11/21/world-of-goo-on-ipad-releasing-soon/ |archive-date=November 24, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

''World of Goo 2'', a sequel developed by 2D Boy and Tomorrow Corporation, was announced at The Game Awards 2023 and was released on August 2, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tomorrowcorporation.com/posts/world-of-goo-2-launch-date-enhanced-now-august-2-2024 |title=World of Goo 2 Launch Date Enhanced, now August 2, 2024! |date=April 16, 2024 |author= Gabler, Kyle |work=Tomorrow Corporation}}</ref>

== Notes == {{Reflist|group="note"}}

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== External links == * {{Official website}}

{{Tomorrow Corporation}} {{Authority control}}

Category:2008 video games Category:Android (operating system) games Category:BlackBerry 10 games Category:Game Developers Choice Award winners Category:Games for Windows Category:Independent Games Festival winners Category:Indie games Category:IOS games Category:Linux games Category:MacOS games Category:Microsoft games Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games Category:Netflix games Category:Nintendo Switch games Category:Puzzle video games Category:Tomorrow Corporation games Category:Video games developed in the United States Category:Wii games Category:WiiWare games Category:Windows games Category:Brighter Minds Media games